AI Image generated using this prompt: This traditional oil painting, inspired by Baroque and religious portrait styles, showcases an African cardinal in a poised, three-quarter view. The rich colors, dramatic lighting, and intricate details, from the solemn expression to his cardinal attire, including the red mozzetta and gold pectoral cross, reveal the subject's dignified presence, while the textured background and expressive brushwork add depth to the composition
Someone once came to me and said:
“Please, have you heard about the Black Pope?
My pastor said he is an anti-christ, fierce-looking, and the one secretly ruling the Catholic Church… not the Pope in white we all see.”
I smiled.
Because behind those words lies one of the biggest Catholic myths of all time.
The Black Pope is not a dark ruler in the shadows, he is not an anti-christ, no fierce-looking.
He is simply the Superior General of the Jesuits, the religious order founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola.
Why then do people call him “Black Pope”?
Because Jesuits wear black cassocks, unlike the Pope, who wears white.
Because for centuries Jesuits were so active in education, missions, and defending the faith that many outsiders imagined they had hidden power.
But here is the truth: The Jesuit Superior General has no authority over the Pope.
In fact, he vows obedience to the Pope himself.
Far from being a rival, he is a servant of the Pope and the Church.
So where did the myth come from?
From fear. From enemies of the faith.
The Jesuits shook the world.
They carried the Gospel across oceans.
They built schools and universities.
They stood against heresies and defended Catholic truth with courage.
And whenever God raises a powerful witness, the world invents lies to bring them down.
The “Black Pope” myth is one of those lies.
And here is the beautiful twist:
For the first time in history, a Jesuit himself became the Pope, not in shadows, not in secret, but in the full light of the world.
Pope Francis.The lesson?
The Catholic Church does not live in darkness.
There is no secret ruler, no hidden throne.
There is only one Head of the Church: Jesus Christ, and the Pope who serves in His name.
So when next someone whispers to you:
“Have you heard about the Black Pope?”
Smile, and say: “Yes, I’ve heard. It’s just a myth. The only one who rules the Church is Christ.”
God bless you
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